Indian Express-Chandigarh Newsline
10/23/2007 , By Parul
A tale of two cities
-Parul
Chandigarh, October 23, 2007 by Parul
Different spaces, perspectives, styles, techniques, feelings, focus...Yet, there’s a meeting point between photographers Diwan Manna and Michel Dieudonne. And the common ground is Le Corbusier. The two photographers in their own imitable style, through their lens have captured the sights and architecture of Chandigarh and Firminy in France, the second largest architectural accomplishment of Le Corbusier after Chandigarh. The project, Regards Croises was conceptualized in May 2004 and the exchange programme between the two cities which share a common architectural heritage has resulted in unique photographs, some of which will be showcased in an exhibition Regards Croises, Indo-French Glances. While Michel’s pictures capture various places of Chandigarh, Diwan has frozen in his frames, Corbusier’s Saint Pierre Church in Firminy, and this exhibition was first held in Firminy in October 2006. The pictures 30 in total, showcase many hues of Firminy and Chandigarh in light and shadow. Replete with colour and structure, the photos have captured the real essence of Corbusier’s unmatchable work.
MOODS & MOMENTS:
“My pictures of the Saint Pierre Church capture various moods, spaces, light, volume and I have emphasised a lot on the rays of light inside the church to create unique frames, which highlight the architecture of the church and the relationship between the people and the church,’’ Diwan talks about his experience in Firminy. People back in France, observes the photographer, are conscious of architecture and both time and thought is given to it, “a lot of care, feelings, work goes into buildings and ordinary citizens take pride in their architecture and work to preserve it too,’’ Manna says the works will hopefully promote tourism in both Chandigarh and Firminy. As for Michel’s pictures of Chandigarh, Diwan says he’s explored the concrete creatively, “he’s trained as an architect and looked at buildings and surroundings in a unique manner,’’ compliments Manna.
FACTS & FACETS:
He wanted to show pictures of real architecture and not just impressions. So Michel, while capturing Chandigarh, has strived to capture three major aspects of City Beautiful - as a capital city, Le Corbusier’s buildings and the population. “The city has many facets and you can’t know it totally, especially the life of the people, in the 20 days that I was here,’’ Michel’s style is not taking too many shots, for he believes more doesn’t necessarily result in better. While photographing in India, Michel took care of the proportions of pictures, as per the the light and sky, “there’s not much difference in the spirit of Corbusier in Firminy and Chandigarh and I liked taking pictures of the Open Hand and Capitol Complex,’’ Michel compliments Manna on his artistic pictures of Saint Pierre Church and capturing it the way no one has.
The exhibition is on at the Alliance Francaise Gallery, Sector 36, from October 24 to November 4. Time: 9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm. Regards Croises is in collaboration with the French Embassy in India, Saint Etienne Metropole and Chandigarh Tourism.
